another problem...bleeding the brakes - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jamie72 · 10-14-2004, 03:10 PM

I replaced pads and calipers last Saturday...bleed the brakes... pedal is still spongy. Thinking maybe I am not doing something right on bleeding the brakes, need a refresher course...lol. The truck is 98 chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 with ABS. I am thinking this Antilock braking system might mean I need to bleed the brakes a different way? Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks

neonlarry · 10-14-2004, 03:27 PM

I'm not sure if GM antilock is that way but some antilock systems require a computer(read dealer) to cycle them to bleed the system properly. One of many reasons I don't like antilock brakes. I always figured if you don't know how to drive without them you shouldn't be allowed to have a license.

*FormerMember* · 10-14-2004, 03:35 PM

I have a 98 Burb. Same brakes. No special bleeding sequence required. Just bleed 'em some more. May want to flush the entire system.

oldsub86 · 10-14-2004, 04:07 PM

Was the pedal spongy before you changed pads and calipers or only after? If it was not, then keep bleeding - all 4 wheels and if memory serves correct, start with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder.

OhioDan · 10-14-2004, 04:17 PM

Jamie72, I've got a bleeding setup we use on forklifts sometime that are hard to bleed. Place a connection/hose on the bleeder, and a pressurized source on the other end. Crack the bleeder and back bleed them. Forces air from the brakes back to the master cylinder. Any chance of coming up this weekend, we'll bleed them? (If ya think it's safe to drive?) Workin on my truck Saturday, but I'll give ya a hand. Let me know.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 10-14-2004, 07:53 PM

I would try gravity bleeding, just open the bleeders and let the fluid run out instead of pumping. Of course you need to keep the mastercylinder full.

Jim

jeffs98 · 10-14-2004, 07:58 PM

I have a 98 as well and you do have to have it hooked to a gm reader to properly get out bubbles!! ALthough most of the time it is really not required!! Did you let the reservoir go completely dry?? Something else to remember is that these years of trucks are notorious for having spongy pedals anyways!! I changed almost EVERY component on mine before just giving up and dealing with it!!! Good luck!!

jamie72 · 10-14-2004, 10:23 PM

thanks dan, but i got to put it in the shop for a tranny problem this weekend,was hoping to fix this before i take it.

as for the mastercylinder going empty. the dealer did that for me,and the brakes have never been right sense,and i don`t go back to that dealer again...
thanks for all the in put
jamie

gaddman · 10-14-2004, 11:48 PM

Take a spare master cylinder cap/top and mount a vave stem, or an air hose connector so that you can hook up an air hose. Put a little air pressure (<10 lbs?) and then bleed each wheel, furthest away first. This has worked for me before.

Greg

jamie72 · 10-19-2004, 10:19 PM

thanks everyone for the suggestions and help

RemoteControl · 10-26-2004, 10:50 AM

Hmmm, a lot of good answers here, but I haven't seen the basic one. Hooking a hose to the bleeder and insert other end into cup with clean brake fluid in it and pump brakes to see if there are bubbles still in system.
Just my 10 cents worth.

Rich

10-14-2004, 03:10 PM	#1
jamie72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: madison indiana Posts: 3,839	another problem...bleeding the brakes I replaced pads and calipers last Saturday...bleed the brakes... pedal is still spongy. Thinking maybe I am not doing something right on bleeding the brakes, need a refresher course...lol. The truck is 98 chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 with ABS. I am thinking this Antilock braking system might mean I need to bleed the brakes a different way? Anyone have any ideas? Thanks __________________ jamie72 72 BB cheyenne -- Restoration getting started.. member #807 http://www.myspace.com/whitetailobsession www.antlertalk.com

10-14-2004, 03:27 PM	#2
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,745	I'm not sure if GM antilock is that way but some antilock systems require a computer(read dealer) to cycle them to bleed the system properly. One of many reasons I don't like antilock brakes. I always figured if you don't know how to drive without them you shouldn't be allowed to have a license. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

10-14-2004, 04:07 PM	#4
oldsub86 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 695	Was the pedal spongy before you changed pads and calipers or only after? If it was not, then keep bleeding - all 4 wheels and if memory serves correct, start with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder. __________________ 1968 Chevy - 292 with a powerglide

10-14-2004, 04:17 PM	#5
OhioDan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: New Carlisle, Ohio,USA Posts: 1,404	Jamie72, I've got a bleeding setup we use on forklifts sometime that are hard to bleed. Place a connection/hose on the bleeder, and a pressurized source on the other end. Crack the bleeder and back bleed them. Forces air from the brakes back to the master cylinder. Any chance of coming up this weekend, we'll bleed them? (If ya think it's safe to drive?) Workin on my truck Saturday, but I'll give ya a hand. Let me know. __________________ LIFE AIN'T EASY WHEN YER FAT AND GREASY! GMC= Got More Class! 1970 GMC LWB, Fleetside, 350/4spd, Flowmaster "40's", 2002 GMC 16" Rallies, cowl hood,and added a bunch of options that weren't there when I started.

10-14-2004, 10:23 PM	#8
jamie72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: madison indiana Posts: 3,839	thanks dan, but i got to put it in the shop for a tranny problem this weekend,was hoping to fix this before i take it. as for the mastercylinder going empty. the dealer did that for me,and the brakes have never been right sense,and i don`t go back to that dealer again... thanks for all the in put jamie __________________ jamie72 72 BB cheyenne -- Restoration getting started.. member #807 http://www.myspace.com/whitetailobsession www.antlertalk.com

10-14-2004, 03:35 PM	#3
FormerMember Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 3,051	I have a 98 Burb. Same brakes. No special bleeding sequence required. Just bleed 'em some more. May want to flush the entire system.

10-14-2004, 07:53 PM	#6
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	I would try gravity bleeding, just open the bleeders and let the fluid run out instead of pumping. Of course you need to keep the mastercylinder full. Jim

10-14-2004, 07:58 PM	#7
jeffs98 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Parsons, Kansas Posts: 139	I have a 98 as well and you do have to have it hooked to a gm reader to properly get out bubbles!! ALthough most of the time it is really not required!! Did you let the reservoir go completely dry?? Something else to remember is that these years of trucks are notorious for having spongy pedals anyways!! I changed almost EVERY component on mine before just giving up and dealing with it!!! Good luck!!

10-14-2004, 11:48 PM	#9
gaddman Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Scottsburg, In Posts: 160	Try this maybe... Take a spare master cylinder cap/top and mount a vave stem, or an air hose connector so that you can hook up an air hose. Put a little air pressure (<10 lbs?) and then bleed each wheel, furthest away first. This has worked for me before. Greg __________________ Gaddman Scottsburg, In 67 SWB w/93 step bed 68 LWB Fleetside C10 Custom 50 Chevy 3600 74 Norton Commando 850 72 Norton Commando 750

10-19-2004, 10:19 PM	#10
jamie72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: madison indiana Posts: 3,839	thanks everyone for the suggestions and help __________________ jamie72 72 BB cheyenne -- Restoration getting started.. member #807 http://www.myspace.com/whitetailobsession www.antlertalk.com

10-26-2004, 10:50 AM	#11
RemoteControl Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 45	Hmmm, a lot of good answers here, but I haven't seen the basic one. Hooking a hose to the bleeder and insert other end into cup with clean brake fluid in it and pump brakes to see if there are bubbles still in system. Just my 10 cents worth. Rich __________________ PEOPLE THAT THINK THEY KNOW EVERYTHING ARE PARTICULARLY ANNOYING TO THOSE OF US THAT DO !! Dropped 93 Chevy Std Cab, 454 SS conversion, 20 in Centerlines, Wrap Around Ground Effects



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